Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Could the Swedish Striker be Arteta’s missing piece?

As the summer transfer window nears, Arsenal fans are buzzing with anticipation over the potential arrival of Sporting CP’s prolific striker, Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old Swedish striker has emerged as a prime target for Mikel Arteta’s side, with reports suggesting the Gunners are intensifying their pursuit of a player who could finally solve their long-standing striker problems. With an impressive 2024/25 season, Gyokeres’ combination of physicality, finishing, and versatility has made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards. But what would his arrival mean for Arsenal? This piece is set to explore his performances, playing style, stats, and what fans can expect if the £50-60 million deal pull through

Gyokeres’ 2024/25 campaign performance

Viktor Gyokeres has been sensational for Sporting CP this season, building on his sensational 2023/24 Primeira Liga title-winning campaign (29 goals, 9 assists in 33 games). With Sporting still leading the Portuguese top flight, Gyokeres has notched 36 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. In the league alone, he’s scored 30 goals in 26 matches, outpacing the likes of Erling Haaland (25 goals in 28 Premier League games) and Harry Kane (27 goals in 26 Bundesliga games) in Europe’s top leagues.

Key highlights include a hat-trick in Sporting’s 4-1 Champions League thrashing of Manchester City in November 2024, a performance that showcased his ability to dominate elite defenses. He followed that with a brace in a 4-2 league win over Porto, cementing his reputation as a clutch performer. Despite a recent knee injury sidelining him for Sporting’s crucial Champions League draw against Bologna on March 26, his season stats remain great: a goal every 76 minutes in the Primeira Liga and a direct goal contribution every 64 minutes across all competitions.

Gyokeres has also broken records this campaign. His 30 league goals surpassed Sporting’s single-season record previously set by Hector Yazalde (29 in 1973/74), and his 47 goal involvements across all competitions is currently the highest by any player in Europe’s top seven leagues. His form has increased speculation that a move to a bigger stage like Arsenal is inevitable.

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Gyokeres playing style

Gyokeres is no ordinary striker. With a height of 6’2”, he combines the physicality of a traditional No. 9 with the technical skill and mobility of a modern forward. His playing style could be important for Arteta’s system, which demands versatility, work rate, and clinical finishing.Gyokeres dominates aerial duels (winning 3.2 per game in the league) and uses his strength to hold up play, linking midfielders like Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice with wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Moreover, he is a ruthless finisher, he can score with both feet (18 right, 12 left) and his head (6), showcasing a variety that Arsenal’s current options, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz—lack. His 0.92 goals-per-90-minute rate in the Primeira Liga trails only Robert Lewandowski, Harry Kane, and Haaland among top-league strikers.

Furthermore, Gyokeres thrives off the ball, making intelligent runs to stretch defenses. His 4.1 off-the-ball runs per game often create space for teammates, a trait that could amplify Saka’s cutting inside and Martinelli’s pace. With 2.8 successful dribbles per game and 1.4 key passes, he’s not just a poacher—he can drop deep, beat defenders, and set up plays, evidenced by his 11 assists.

A deeper look at Gyokeres stats

Gyokeres’ 2024/25 numbers gives football enthusiasts the correct picture of a striker at the peak of his powers. Goals: 36 (30 league, 6 Champions League). Assists: 11 (8 league, 3 Champions League). Shots on Target per Game: 2.1 (67% accuracy). Expected Goals (xG): 32.4. Expected Assists (xA): 9.8 (slight ). Pass Completion: 78%. Aerial Duels Won: 62% success rate.

Compared to Arsenal’s current forwards, Gyokeres offers a clear upgrade. Jesus has 7 goals and 5 assists in 18 league games (0.62 goals/assists per 90), while Havertz, often deployed as a makeshift striker, has 9 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances (0.46 per 90). Gyokeres’ output dwarfs both, and his physicality could address Arsenal’s struggles against low-block defenses.

Why a move to Arsenal?

Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres is no secret. The Athletic reported on March 30 that the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a “firm admirer” of the Swedish striker, viewing him as a more attainable target than Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. Sporting’s £85 million release clause has been a sticking point, but recent reports suggest they had accept £50-60 million in the summer, a price tag that suits a player of his pedigree.

The Gunners’ striker woes have been glaring. Jesus’ season-ending ACL injury in January and Havertz’s inconsistency have left Arteta scrambling, with midfielder Mikel Merino even filling in as a center-forward. Gyokeres, who expressed frustration over a stalled move last summer, has hinted at openness to a transfer: “I’m happy at Sporting, but we’ll see what happens,” he told Record Portugal in January.

What fans can expect from Gyokeres move

If Gyokeres joins Arsenal, supporters could anticipate a transformative addition and here is the reason; His 36-goal haul this season suggests he could push Arsenal’s attack past the 80-goal mark in the Premier League (they’re on 62 after 29 games). A 20-25 goal striker could be the difference in their title chase against Manchester City and Liverpool. Moreover, Arteta’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 would suit Gyokeres perfectly. He’d thrive as the focal point, dropping deep to link with Odegaard or to combine with Saka from the wings, while his aerial ability would utilized set-piece threats as Arsenal is a club with an impressive set-piece record.

His hat-trick against City and composure in high-stakes games shows he is a player who rises to the occasion and this could be vital for Arsenal’s Champions League ambitions. The Emirates faithful, starved for a true No. 9 since the unfortunate exit of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, which would embrace Gyokeres’ relentless energy and goal-scoring instinct. His work rate (12.1 km per game) aligns with Arteta’s high-pressing ethos, ensuring he’d win hearts quickly.

However, there exist a problem that could turn out to be a gamble if Gyokeres transfer deal pull through. Gyokeres is a player that every fan would wish his team to have considering his age and his performance but he has not played in a top-five league since his spell at Coventry City (21 goals in 2022/23). Critics point to flops like Darwin Nunez, who struggled to replicate Primeira Liga form at Liverpool. Yet Gyokeres’ Champions League exploits; 6 goals in 8 games against top sides, suggest he is ready for the Premier League’s intensity. At 26, he’s entering his prime, offering both immediate impact and longevity.

Conclusion

Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal feels like a match made in football heaven. His 2024/25 season has been a masterclass in consistency, and his skill set aligns seamlessly with Arteta’s tactics. For £50-60 million, he is a striker who could elevate Arsenal from contenders to champions. Fans should brace for an electric summer if the deal lands.